What s Next?

What's Next?

After you've assessed your readiness, undertaken the right background studies, obtained the hands-on experience that will help you understand the products and technologies at work, and reviewed the many sources of information to help you prepare for a test, you'll be ready to take a round of practice tests. When your scores come back positive enough to get you through the exam, you're ready to go after the real thing. If you follow the assessment regimen, you'll not only know what you need to study, but also when you're ready to make a test date at Prometric (http://www.prometric.com) or Virtual University Enterprises (VUE; http://www.vue.com). In the United States and Canada, tests are administered by Pearson VUE (Virtual University Enterprises) and by Prometric :

• Pearson VUE ” You can sign up for a test through the company's Web site at http://www.vue.com/ms/ or by phone at 800-837-8734. If you live outside the United States and Canada, you need to check the company's Web site at http://www.vue.com/contact/ms/ for the applicable phone number.

• Prometric ” You can sign up for a test through the company's Web site at http://www.prometric.com or by phone at 800-755-3926. If you live outside the United States and Canada, you need to check the company's Web site for the applicable phone number.

To cancel or reschedule any exam you've signed up for, you need to call before 7:00 p.m. eastern standard time the day before the scheduled test time, or you might be charged the fee.

When you want to schedule a test, you need to have the following information ready:

• Your full name and mailing address.

• Your Microsoft Test ID. (In the United States, it's your Social Security number; for other countries , you need to call ahead to find out what type of identification number is required to register for a test.)

• The name and number of the exam you want to take.

• A method of payment, such as a credit card or voucher .

After you sign up to take the test, you'll choose a testing center nearest your home or work, and choose a time and date available at the center. Most centers test from 9-to-5 hours during the day, although a few have testing times available on Saturdays and after 5:00 p.m.

On the day of your exam, you should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early with two forms of identification. One form must be a photo ID, such as a valid driver's license, and the other can be a birth certificate or a credit card, for example. (Check with your testing center ahead of time to make sure you have the correct forms of ID.)

Good luck!